President Bongbong Marcos has limited his public engagements after doctors advised him to slow down following a brief hospital observation for stomach discomfort, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President’s activities were confined to private meetings as he recovered from abdominal pain that led to his admission at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. Marcos underwent observation on Wednesday and was later reported to be in good condition.
Castro told reporters that doctors recommended the President take a slower pace, prompting adjustments to his schedule. She said the move to hold private meetings inside the Palace was in line with medical advice and did not indicate a serious health issue. Work, she added, continued despite the scaled-back public calendar.
In a video released by the Presidential Communications Office the following day, Marcos addressed the matter directly. He said the discomfort was caused by diverticulitis, an inflammation in the large intestine that can result in abdominal pain. The President stressed that the condition was not life-threatening and urged critics not to be “too excited” about his health.
Marcos acknowledged public concern as questions emerged over his absence from several scheduled events. He said he remained able to perform his duties while following his doctors’ guidance.
Because of his condition, the President skipped two public engagements last week. These were the awarding ceremony for The Outstanding Young Men 2025 and the inauguration of the Laoag International Airport Passenger Terminal Building. Malacañang did not announce any extended changes to his official calendar.
Palace officials emphasized that the decision to limit appearances was precautionary. No additional medical procedures were disclosed, and no timeline was provided for the full resumption of public events.
Malacañang maintained that government operations continued without disruption, with Marcos staying engaged through internal meetings while prioritizing his recovery under medical advice.
